New law in play for student athletes

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - A new law has come into play before student athletes in Indiana take the field for the fall season.  The ways in which concussions and head injuries are handled will now change through a state statute.

The law requires that if a head injury or concussion is suspected, a player must be pulled from the game at that time.  The athlete may not return during the game or play in days following unless evaluated and cleared by a physician trained in diagnosing head injuries.

“It’s a difficult process.  It’s time consuming [and it’s] not very popular with the players, coaches and the parents but it’s most protective,” Dr. Greg Sassmannshausen with Fort Wayne Orthopedics said.

Schools are mandated to provide educational material to players and parents about head injuries before a season begins.  Parents and/or guardians are required to sign a form acknowledging they have received such information before a player can participate in practice.

“I think the biggest thing that will be different for us is educating parents; making sure they’re aware they are now responsible,” Todd Jenkins, an athletic trainer for Sports Medicine at the Orthopaedic Hospital said.

The concussion law went into effect July 1, 2012.